Lance Daypack B7103 Review

By Mike Rileyon Tue, 09/25/2012

With the world becoming more and more digital, fashion and utility change along with the times. The sign of success among the technorati isn't marked by a heavy leather briefcase, but rather a smartly optimized, gadget and laptop friendly backpack. Such is the objective of ECBC's Lance Daypack B7103.

The B7103 is loaded with high-quality features, right down to the durable stitching that holds the zippered lining and pockets. I couldn't find a single stray thread on the bag. The zippers themselves have well-forged metal rings that won't easily break off, something that has plagued many other backpacks I've used.

The numerous compartments are the star of the show for the B7103. Sleeves for laptops (the backpack can accommodate ones up to 17" long) with an adjustable foam spacer to safely stow smaller laptop sizes. Each pocket is firmly padded to keep devices from flattening one another, and the one for phone/MP3 player is even fleece-lined to keep scratches at bay. Two utility/beverage pockets can be unzipped to offer a place to store objects with larger circumfrances. The bag also features a traveler-friendly ECBC FastPass system for easy laptop access and removal during security checkpoint scans. I loaded up the bag with a laptop, iPad, iPhone, Kindle, power adapters, spare batteries, two binders, a mug, several pens and styli, a couple power bars and still had plenty of room to spare.

I also really appreciated the fact that the B7103 included both sternum and waist snapping straps that come in handy when jogging to catch a bus or hustle through a pedestrian crossing. Instead of banging against your back and swishing from side to side the way other backpacks do, the firmly formed foam backing combined with the bag's straps keep the bag snug and comfortably in place.

With all the thoughtful features designed into the B7103, you can literally carry your office on your back. The fact that it has sleeves specifically designated for tablets and phones while still giving easily accessible space for laptops makes it appealing to digital road warrior executives and technology/knowledge workers alike. ECBC's leadership obviously knows this lifestyle well, since they have created a top-of-the-line backpack that serves this market segment well. This is the kind of high class backpack that your family and co-workers will envy.

If you value your mobile devices and want to safely and comfortably carry them in style, the Lance Daypack B7103 is worthy of your serious purchase consideration.

Mike Riley is a frequent contributor to several technical publications and specializes in emerging technologies and new development trends. Mike was previously employed by RR Donnelley as the company’s Chief Scientist, responsible for determining innovative technical approaches to improve the company’s internal and external content services. Mike also co-hosted Computer Connection, a technology enthusiast show broadcast on Tribune Media's CLTV.